From ZBC to Tokyo: How Anime Came Full Circle for Me

 

From ZBC to Tokyo: How Anime Came Full Circle for Me

Growing up in Zimbabwe in the early 2000s, Sunday mornings were sacred—not just for prayer and bible study but for something almost just as divine: cartoons. I remember sitting wide-eyed in front of the TV, tuned into Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC), watching Naruto dart through forests, Goku powering up in Dragon Ball Z, and the mystical adventures of Spartakus and the Sun Beneath the Sea. Back then, we didn’t call it “anime.” To us, it was just part of the colorful weekend joy we looked forward to—whether rushing home after school or waking up early, cereal bowl in hand.

Fast forward to now—I live in Japan. And let me tell you: anime here isn’t just TV entertainment. It’s a whole lifestyle.

I first realized this during my self-introduction at the schools I teach in. I casually mentioned how I used to watch Naruto and Dragon Ball Z, and you would’ve thought I dropped the latest One Piece episode early! The students lit up, gasped, clapped—some even shouted character names. That was the moment I understood: in Japan, anime isn't just popular. It’s beloved, almost sacred. It’s woven into their childhood, their fashion, their music, even their daily conversations.

Here, anime is more than just what's on screen. The art? Exquisite. Japanese anime creators put soul into every frame—the character designs, the flowing hair in battle scenes, the emotional sparkle in tear-filled eyes. Whether you’re watching Doraemon's futuristic gadgets or crying through Your Name (Kimi no Na wa), the attention to emotional and visual detail is unmatched.

And then there’s cosplay. Picture this: ordinary teens and adults transforming into their favorite characters from head to toe—wigs, costumes, accessories. I once saw someone dressed as Tanjiro from Demon Slayer in a convenience store like it was completely normal. Because in Japan? It is.

I’ve since added One Piece, Doraemon, Pokémon, and even Attack on Titan to my growing anime vocabulary. I’ve also learned about manga, the comic book cousin of anime. In Japan, manga isn’t just for kids—it’s for everyone. You'll see businessmen on the train reading manga like it's the morning paper.

And let’s not forget the music. Anime opening and ending songs? Absolute bangers. Many of them top Japan’s music charts. I’ve caught myself humming along to Unravel from Tokyo Ghoul more times than I can count.

Living in Japan has made me appreciate anime in a deeper way. It’s made me nostalgic for those days when I didn’t know I was already part of this global phenomenon. Anime isn't just Japanese—it’s universal. It connects childhoods across continents, sparks creativity, and teaches everything from friendship and courage to resilience and love.

To anyone who’s never watched anime: give it a try. Start with something classic (Spirited Away, anyone?), or dive into a series that matches your vibe. Whether you're into fantasy, romance, slice-of-life, or mind-blowing action—anime’s got you covered.

As for me, I’ll continue blending my Zimbabwean roots with my newfound Japanese appreciation, celebrating the magic of anime one episode—and one cosplay encounter—at a time.

“Anime taught us that even the most impossible battles can be won with a little spirit, some friends, and a lot of heart.”